Uttarayani (Makar Sankranti)
उत्तरायणीKumaon & Garhwal · Bageshwar
What Uttarayani (Makar Sankranti) marks
The day the sun begins its northward journey, marked across India but with a distinct Kumaoni flavour here. In the hills it opens the season of great winter fairs, above all the Uttarayani mela at Bageshwar on the Saryu and Gomati sangam.
How it's celebrated
Children make ghughuti, sweet deep-fried dough shaped like little birds, string them into garlands and call the crows to share them, singing 'kale kauva'. Pilgrims bathe at river confluences and the Bageshwar fair draws traders and folk performers from across Kumaon.